July 7, 2022 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ted N.C. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Greetings, friends. What a privilege to be able to focus upon God’s Word. And His role for each of us in the last day proclamation of the three Angels messages. In order to do that, we must stay in direct contact with Heaven. There is no other way to accomplish our work except a spiritual approach, which means daily connection through Bible study, through prayer, and through complete reliance upon God, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
You’ll recall that amazing story in Matthew Chapter 14 about the feeding of the five Thousand, as it is called. Actually, there are probably including women and children, about 20,000 people there who received the food and encouragement from Jesus that they were about ready to proclaim Jesus king and earthly king when he recognized what was happening and said, Go home, go back.
His disciples who had been so intent on becoming the leaders in the popular movement, had Jesus become the King, were disgruntled, angry. They were filled with discouragement. Jesus sent them down to a boat. And as they went to the boat and He sent the multitudes away, Jesus then found His true place of strength. It says in Matthew 14 verse 23, “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.” Matthew 14:23 (NKJV), regardless of what you may face, regardless of how you might think, you can gain strength in any other way.
There is only one way, and that is a personal connection with God through prayer, through Bible study, and Jesus, the Son of God knew this He spent time praying to His Heavenly Father. Well, he needed to teach those disciples a lesson and you know this story well, but it’s fascinating to just put a spotlight on one aspect or two aspects of this.
You’ll remember that he was there on the mountain. He could see those disciples in the ship. He caused a special storm to come up just for them. To test them. Sometimes if you’re in a storm difficulty in life, remember, maybe God is testing you lean on him completely. I try to do that every day. Learn to completely lean upon the strength of the Almighty Arm of God.
Well, it says that in verse 25 , “… Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.” Matthew 14:25 (NKJV). Now, of course, only God can do that. So here’s this amazing lighted figure coming towards the disciples. And the disciples were afraid. They thought it was a spirit or a ghost or something, signaling the end of their lives. And then out of the darkness, that glimmering light Jesus walking on the water said the following and verse 27, and this is the message God has for you and for me today in this world of turmoil and conflict and a disintegrating world.
God wants us to give this message. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 (NKJV). Bring encouragement to people. Point them to Christ, who is the one who can help them through every difficulty. Well, you know the story of how Peter called out and said verse 28, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Matthew 14:28 (NKJV)
Jesus said, Come. And Peter got out of the boat, I’m sure, very carefully, but he walked to wards Jesus as he was looking at Jesus My dear friends, whatever you face, don’t ever take your eyes off Jesus. Keep Him in full focus and He will see you through. But if you take your eyes off Jesus, what do you think will happen?
Well, you know, the Bible indicates that the wind was boisterous, verse 30. Peter was afraid and he began to sink. And when he was sinking he yelled out, Lord, save me. And the Bible says Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand. And He caught him Jesus is always there for each of us. Don’t ever doubt Jesus. When they got into the boat.
The Bible says the wind ceased because the master of the storm who created the storm was now in control of that storm again. And the wind calmed down. Finally, those disciples who were discouraged, angry, disgruntled, admitted openly in verse 33. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33 (NKJV)
My dear friends, don’t ever take your eyes off Jesus. Keep your eyes focused upon Him when you are in difficulty. Say, Lord, save me. He’ll be there for you and in the book Desire of Ages, page 382, it says “Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation. We may now suppose that our feet stand secure, and that we shall never be moved. We may say with confidence, “I know in whom I have believed; nothing can shake my faith in God and in His word.” But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects. Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely.” (The Desire of Ages, Page 382).
So as a wonderful believer in Christ, in the proclamation of the Three Angels messages of Revelation 14 and the fourth Angel of Revelation 18. Keep your eyes on Jesus. And express your gratitude to others for what God has done for you as you walk securely, always looking to Jesus.
Let’s pray. Father in Heaven, please help us through the challenges ahead. Whatever someone is facing right now, help them to look to you and then to walk securely because you are in control of their lives. Thank you, Lord, that we can constantly look to you for guidance, help, and encouragement in whatever we face. Now, Lord, as we participate in sharing the good news of Jesus’ soon second coming. Help us to keep our eyes on you at all times. In Jesus name we ask it, amen.